THE BASIC LIST..... your most successful design, each caliber?

[BruceB]

It occurs to me that it's a daunting task for a caster to pick a design that gives the best chances for success in a given caliber, whether he's new to casting or just picking up a new caliber. There are dozens and hundreds of designs out there, and they can't all be great.

Therefore, let's hear your choices for "the bestest" in YOUR experience. This is for pure shooting success, not for hunting or other specialized uses, OK? One choice mould design per caliber is the ideal situation, but if you have "ties" between designs, then let's hear them, too.

My list:

6.5mm.....Lyman 268645

.270........RCBS 270-130

.30.........medium weight, 311466 (I have high hopes for 311672, without having loaded a single round!). Medium-heavy...311467 OR 311291. Heavy weight...311284

.31.........LEE 31-155SP for 7.62x39, 311299 for my tight-bored #4 Mk2

.32.........RCBS 165 RN

.338.......dunno, five different-design moulds on hand, so far LEE 220 's the best, research ongoing.

.416.......if there's a better one than the RCBS 416-350, I sure don't need it. Superb design!

.45 rifle...still undecided, but my newly-rebarreled Shiloh .45-70 seems to prefer 457406 so far.

9x19......358242 (120 grain) or RCBS 124 TC

.38/.357....gaschecked, 358156, no contest. No gascheck, RCBS 38-150

.41 Maggie....RCBS 41-210

.44 Mag....RCBS 44-250KT

.45ACP...I've finally adopted the Lyman 452374 roundnose as THE boolit for my .45s, strictly plinking and practice. Good factory-duplication boolit, and accurate in my four .45s

45 Colt....I am out of the .45 Colt business

I'm hoping that if enough of us list our most-successful designs, there'll be enough commonality that someone looking to start out with a new caliber can identify moulds which are indisputably good designs as proven by the real-life results of a group of casters. I do know that, if pushed to the wall, I could load good cast ammo for the rest of my life with only the designs listed above.

Let's hear it....

[NVcurmudgeon]

My favorite moulds:

7mm Lyman 287308 165 gr. SSGC obselete, and it's a shame.

.30 Lyman 314299 200 gr. SSGC sized .310, Ohaus 30-190 SSGC obselete, but excellent in .308. Also, the much maligned Lyman 311413 173 gr. GC Spitzer is an excellent low velocity plinker.

.31 Lyman 314299GC and Lyman 311413GC, as above, but sized .314

8mm Lee 175 gr. GC and Buckshot's custom Lee 240 gr. GC Loverin type

.35 rifle NEI 220 RNGC and RCBS 200 FPGC

.45 rifle RCBS 405 FPGC

9mm NEI 124 gr. PBTC, similar to RCBS 124 gr. TC and Lyman 356402

.38/.357 RCBS 150 KT PBSWC

.44 RCBS 250 gr. KT PBSWC

.45 ACP H&G #68 200 gr. PBSWC and Lyman 452374 PBRN (same shape as service bullet)

[Maven]

These molds/designs work for me:
.243Win. Ly.245496 & HP version of same CB (Loverins)

6.5 x 55 LBT spire point; new Lee "Kurtz;" Lee custom, a smaller version
of Ly. 311041.

7.5 x 55 Lee 113gr. "soupcan," Ly. 311466. Saeco #315

.30-30 Ly. 311466, Saeco #315

.30-06 Ly. 311644; Lee C-309-180R tapered via a Hanned die

7.62 x 53R Ly. 314299

7.65 x 53 CBE "fat" Loverin, 195gr.

8 x 57 LBT spire point; Lee "Buckshot" CB

.45-70 Lee 345gr. FP, Lee 405gr. HB; LBT 465gr. FP

[David R]

22 cal for me, 225646

30 cal

311466 seems to shoot well in anything, 311291 for a heavier boolit. 311644 shoots awesome IF it fits the gun.

32-20 Lee Soup can hands down

44 mag, RCBS 44-240

45 AUTO 452460!

David

[Buckshot]

..........6.5, Ly 268645 152gr (haven't fired any Kurtz's yet.

..........7mm, RCBS 7mm-162

..........30, Ly 311291

..........31, Bator/Lee custom C316-220RF. Common slug Ly 314299

..........32, Lee custom C325-240RF, common slug Ly 323470

..........33, (8x56R, .332") Oldfeller's Mtn Mould, AKA Frankenstein

..........35, Saeco #356, 200gr FNGC (rifle), Lee 358-148WC (pistol)

..........37, Ly 264gr FNGC

..........40, RCBS 300gr FNPB

..........43, Mtn Mld 410gr RNPB (Spanish), RCBS 43-370FNPB (Mauser)

..........44, Lee C430-310F

..........45, RCBS 405gr FNGC (rifle), Lee 452-190 SWC (pistol)

..............Buckshot

[9.3X62AL]

Here goes.....

Rifles--

243--RCBS 95-SP. ~1" @ 100 yards reliably. Pole-axes rats, too.

25's--jury still out, but NEI 114 FNGC does good things in 25-35. 25-20 and 250 Savage still under way.

30's--Lyman #311291, hands down.

31/32--jury still out, and having a long lunch break.

8mm--Lee 175, but Buckshot Heavy needs more work in my G98/40

9.3mm--Mountain Molds 270 FNGC

44-40......still a work in progress.

45-70...... " " " " "

Handguns--

30/32 self-loaders--Lyman #313249

30/32 wheelers--RCBS 98 SWC (so far--a bevy of new molds landed recently, and need shakeout)

9mm--Lyman #358242, 121 grain version--size big, lube soft, metal hard.

38 Special--Lyman #358429, recently eclipsed #358477 for this caliber.

357 Magnum--Lyman #358156, but #358430 a close second.

38 S&W--work in progress

9mm Makarov--RCBS 100 RN--SUPERB, to 1100 FPS+

40 Short & Weak--jury out, and headed for mistrial. Bar-Sto, here I come.

10mm--RCBS 200 TC--shoots VERY well.

41 Magnum--hard to find one that DOESN'T shoot at least well. Work in progress.

44 Special--Lyman #429421, good from 700-1100 FPS.

44 Magnum--Lyman #429244, at least very good in several revolvers.

45 ACP--Lyman #452374--classic, shoots and feeds well in over a dozen guns so far, and falls from mold like a Mazatlan cliff diver.

45 Colt--still working on this.

[The Nyack Kid]

ive got six molds for the 45-70
the first and really all you need mold would be a 400-405gr FN it is the 30-06 of 45-70 boolit molds
I really like lymans 457643

[MT Gianni]

All are still a work in progress but I like the 454424 in a 45 blackhawk with the throats resized to .452. The 429244 has shown better work for me in the 44 special and the 429421 in the 44 mag opposite of Deputy Al's. The 356 win likes the 358627 witha Saeco 352 as second choice. 9mm the 358242 124 gr and 357 Mag still is ongoing. 30's I would hate to hdo without the lee 113, 311291, RCBS 180 fp, 311466 and look forward to the Lee copy 311407. I still have a lot of primers to pop I guess. Gianni.

[Bullshop]

When I first saw this thread I thought well I will think on it a bit then get back. The more I thought and read the more well ah embarresed I became.

I see how so many of you have deffinet favorites and without hesitation pointed out one in each caliber.
I have cast several ton of lead and shot much of it myself and I couldnt do that. A person would think with all the shooting I have done I would have pegged a boolit and load for each cal as favorites by now, but no.
Frankly I began to feel a bit intimidated by it so have just avoided the thread.
Having a bit of trouble sleeping last night but in a relaxed state I thought on it a bit more and began to realise I dont have many favorite calibers, more like two.
The one that has always been there for me is 45/70, and the one boolit design that has also always been there is the RCBS 405 (425) fngc. It was my first mold and I still use it. It has made boolits for more 45/70 rifles and many other 45 cal rifles that have passed through my hands I just lost count, but know for shure it has been outstanding in all.
I think there is no better design for the 45/70 in modern rifles with smokless powder, so absolutely without question that boolit and caliber is my favorite.

By neccessity I shoot my working guns more than all others and my working guns come in two calibers 22 and 45. The 22 we shoot the most is without question the 22 hornet so it stands to reason if I had another favorite it would be there. The single most used boolit in the hornet or most other 22's we use is the NEI #2 a 45gn fngc.
That little boolit has proven to be very accurate in anything tried and always seems easy to find a good load for.
There ya go, not a big list for someone that has put so much lead down range. I try to fire at least a few shots every day and even with just a few the anual # gets pretty high. Some days we just shoot alot.

From all the shooting and hunting done in my lifetime I have learned but didnt realy realise until last night that anything I nead done with a rifle I can get done well with my 45/70 and 22 hornet.
Maby I will have to get closer than someone with a megamag barn burner, but I have also learned to do that. If something of tooth and claw tries to get the drop on me, well me and my 45/70 have been there and we won.

The little gun is used as a game getter and farm tool killing instantly with head shots animals exceeding 500 lbs live weight. The depression era farmers learned what an efficiant tool the hornet is, but more recent generations have largly passed it by as being a powder puff.
If you were to figure the efficiancy in ft lbs energy per gn powder I think the hornet would be at the top of a long list. At about 1000 shots per pound of powder it too is at the top of my short list of favorites.
BIC/BS

[Blackwater]

Bullshop, just wanted to say that your words re the lil' Hornet, and the .45/70 as well, sure hit home here. I recently sold my last hornet, a Brng. LW, and your post has prompted me to plan on getting a Hornet carbine barrel for my Contender. Darn it! You just cost me money! THANKS! ;-)

Also have 3 .45/70's now, and am working on the #3 Ruger in .45/70. Have removed the barrel band, shortened the forend and slimmed it down to a schnabble. Will be cutting the stock and fitting a thin Ruger brand recoil pad, and slimming the stock down to match it. Ever notice how that std. #3 butt is wider at the toe than the heel? Not good. Butt area will be smaller, but I don't shoot hellbenders in it anyway. A 300 grainer at 1800-2000 does all I'll ever want it to here in Ga. Grip is also to big at lower area. Will round and slim it to more apt dimensions, and I think the grip will feel a LOT better. It'll also be a bit thicker up front than under my hand, so should help soak up recoil just a mite better - may be important with any of the heavier loads. That 10/22 front sight's gone and barrel is 21" now. She's looking good so far. Will cut 'er off at the butt and fit the pad tomorrow, probably. Certainly this week. Will try to post a pic when the work's done. Just HAD to do this after my work on an '03 Spfld came out good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but looks like this one's going to work out pretty well, too. Ever seen one done like that?

[Bullshop]

Blackwater
Have I ever seen one like that, you bet I have! You just described my Dads #3 223, and OH dont it shoot. Did you know that Ruger used a 1/10 twist in the #3 223 same as the mini 14? I have used it before with 69gn Sieara's for coyotes and it had a good punch with those heavier bullits.
I would like to see a pic of yours, and shoot it too!!!
I see a #3 on auction thats been rebored to 25/20 from a hornet. I am trying to avoid it but am feeling drawn to it. Prolly a good thing I am broke or I might cause a domestic disturbance!
Yall have fun, hear.
BIC/BS

[PatMarlin]

Here goes.....

and falls from mold like a Mazatlan cliff diver.


.........LOL!!

[PatMarlin]

.................Pile of Molds

.................Pile of Guns

.................Pile of Lead

................. :mrgreen:

[PatMarlin]

Wanted to get to my 400th post... [smilie=p:

BS Dan-

Now that I own and use my 45-70, I look at my other rifles- say the .35 Rem, 30-30, and on down the line and wonder "what do I need those for?"

[Bret4207]

32WCF- Lyman 311316, also works well in any 30 cal and the 32 S+W/Long/Mag.

30 cal rifles- So far the RCBS 180FN works good. The Fat 30 may be overtaking it.

303/7.65x55- Fat 30

8MM- 8mm Karabiner

8x56R-NEI 330-245, nicest mould I own.

35 rifle- Lyman 358318, the 358-240 custom is good too. More work needed.

35 handyguns- 358156

44 handguns- 429421 with hopes for the custom 429215

45 handguns- BD45 so far.

25 rifles, 7mm, 6.5- the jury is still out.

[Newtire]

.30 carbine M-1
Lee 120gr. RN
Lee 130gr. RN
Lyman 311359

.30-30
Soup Can light loads only
Lee 150 gr. FN
Lyman 311466
Lyman 311041

.30-06
RCBS 165 Sil.
Lyman 311290
Lee 180 RN

.444
Lee 200RF@.430"
.430" sized RB (25 yds.)
Lyman 429244
Lee 300 gr. RF

[PatMarlin]

Bump.. [smilie=1:

[West Creek]

Well I wouldnt consider myself an overly knowledgable caster but have done a fair amount of shooting and have a comment or two.

45 Colt - LBT 250 WFN
.32 rifle - LBT 165 LFN

45 Colt (most of my experience lands here) LBT 250 WFN Hands down the best 45 colt bullet I have ever shot - shoots good in everything I have shot it in. Makes my USFA a tack driver and just as good in my Colt 3rd gen w/ custom cylinder.

Hands down no dought about it I can pound golf balls all day at 20 yards offhand. Extremenly repeatable and very predictable. This bullet at a bit over 800 fps is DEADLY out to 40-50 yards. Long range I am still working on - still need to get some more velocity on it to reach out there. So far the standard 250 rnfp BB from magma will out shoot the LBT at 80-100 yards. I can hit a pie plate consistantly and the 1/2 scale silhuette Ram is easy with the magma bullet but it seams the LBT needs more velocity to maintain stability out that far. Although charges of a litttle over 7 grains of 231 have proven improvement I havent had the chance to do alot of tinkering with the new hosue and all going on.

If any of you guys have any advise for maximizing the 45 colt in modern COLT handguns I shore would perk my ears up and listen. I dotn have a Ruger for the heavy loads and I'm not really interested, I have a Ruger 44mag for that purpose.

The only other gun I can comment on is the Marlin 32-40. I have had great luck with the RCBS 170 BB FP and the LBT 165 LFN. The RCBS would throw flyers but i account that to the undersize bullet .322 in a .323 barrel. It would shine on occasion but always throw one or two off. I think both are great bullets and would perform admirably. The LBT just shoots straight.

Again - If anyone has any advise to maximize the 45 colt in Colt designs I shore would appreciate it.

[PatMarlin]

I've got a LBT .454-200-WFN that I picked up cheap used which is no small feat for a LBT these days, but haven't used much yet. I've got a LBT .455-320-LFN that I'm hitting an peice of tablet paper with at 100 yrds, and IMR 4227, out of my Blacktop in 45 colt, 5" barrel.

If Veral was left alone to make molds, I would just sell all my other brands and use LBT.. :Fire: :drinks:

[felix]

One tough cartridge to make shoot because of the guns manufactured for it are almost always out of spec by a considerable margin. Big cylinder holes, small barrel hole, and the converse is just about as common. About the only thing you can do is play around with various load combinations until you get a satisfactory load for a specific distance. I can lend a hand if you can tell me what pistol you have in terms of dimensions. ... felix

[West Creek]

Well Felix

I have a 5.5" 3rd generation Colt I had Jim Stroh replace the cylinder with a custom tight chamber cylinder with 452 throats and a recent USFA 4.75" 45 colt with good dimentions. I would expect both of these guns to handle 45 colt loads that were a little on the warm side but am not wanting to push it. I have used some 4227 up to about 17 grains under some magma 250 rnfp but they were a little light and left a good amount of unburned powder.
Being on the consrvative side and not having the time to measure case head expansion I have left this project on the way side until I get my new loading room support facility built. Any advice to get me going in the right direction or some helpfull hints as to how far I can go safely would be great.

I'm sure the WFN is a great bullet but unfortunatly it lacks accuracy at distance at the low velocity I have been sending it - typically 800fps and a little over with red dot or 231. My goal would be to find a powder and load that would send it down range upwards of 1000 fps at a safe pressure.

[AnthonyB]

38 Special - Lyman 358156 HP
357 Magnum - ditto, but the Lyman 358429 is also a favorite
44 Magnum - RCBS 44-250K, Hp'd
45 ACP - RCBS 45-230 CM hands down. I don't understand how anyone could prefer the 452374, unless they require a four-cavity - what's not to like about a big honking meplat that will feed in everything?
45-70 - RCBS 45-405, HP'd. Deer fall right now with that one.
Others are still working; these are clear favorites for the calibers listed. Tony

[felix]

Ok, WC, what powders do you have on the shelf? What other boolits do you want to shoot, or do you want to stay with the LBT? ... felix

[West Creek]

Hey Felix

I have 231, red Dot, IMR 4227, HS6, HS7, 2400, 4198 or 4895, Unique and

AA#9, H110, 296, Wsomething - fast W shotgun powder

the 4198 or 4895 escapes me now - I know I 've heard this can be a good 45colt powder full case scenario but best in rifles.

I would like to stick with the LBT bullet.

Also have BD45 & BD45CM and the 454190. Seems to me though that the BD45 is a little long in the nose for the 45 colt. Would be a crimp over the ogive - already tried that one. And I have some hard cast store boughts from the Magma RNFP in 200 & 250gr

WC

[felix]

WC, you don't really have a powder to keep the velocity up there while keeping the pressure low enough for your gun. 4198 would work, but you cannot get enough into the case. What you need is a double base powder for the extra push, but with a fine granulation. A triple base powder would be infinitely better in this situation should one exist for the consumer market which it does not. Try some RL7 at 20-22 grains. That should get you 1000-1100 fps with a 250 grainer. Don't worry about the velocity loss because of the barrel not being long enough. Don't take you gun over 25K cup under no circumstance. 20K would be a daily shooter, though. Keep an eye on your cylinder's timing. Drop a grain of powder once you see any slop increase, no matter how slight. ... felix

[sundog]

This is my list of 'early success' boolits - you know, the one's you go to first to see if the dang thang'll even shoot.... Yes, lots of other really good designs, but these are my known gotos. sundog

Steekin' Pissolas
9mm - RCBS 9mm-147-FN
38/357 - Lee 358-148-WC and Ly 358156
44 Spl/44 Mag - Lee 429-200-RF and RCBS 44-250-K
45 Rim - Lee 454-255-RF (older one that really is .454)
45 ACP - Ly 452374 and Lee 452-200-RF
45 Colt - Ly 454190 and Lee 452-200-RF

Long guns
22 - 22 Bator and Ly 225646
25-20 - Ly 257420
6.5x55 - Ly (can't remember # but its 150 gr and tapered)
7mm - RCBS 7mm-168-SP
30-30 - RCBS 30-150-FN and Ly 31141
308 - RCBS 308-165-SIL
30-06 - Ly 311291 and RCBS 30-180-SP
303 and 7.7 Jap - Ly 314299
32 Win Spl - RCBS 32-170-FN
8x57 - 8mm Karibiner and Lee 324-175-RN
35 Rem - RCBS 35-200-FN
35 Whelen - 358009 Imp

[Suo Gan]

Blowin the cobwebs off this un.

[PatMarlin]

Lordy-

I had 400 posts and was in my mid 40's when this thread hit ... :groner:

[HeavyMetal]

I don't think much has changed in the five years since the orginal post.

It was before my time and several real nice GB's have gone down since this was first posted.

Really don't shoot cast in rifles, with the exception of Lee's 150 grain 7.62x39 boolit in my 30-30 rounds both rifle and Contender.

35863 for my 38 wadcutter gun

The 38 Slim GB unsized for my 38 S&W top break

358429 HP and RCBS 38-150 SWC for the 357 barrel on the Contender

429421 HP for my 44 mag's

Lee's copy of the H&G 68 for my 45 auto

The Lee 9mm RNL standard lube groove boolit for my 9mm's. This is my go to boolit for general family fun and plinking feeds in everything!

Now I was in on several GB's and bought several others but haven't shot enough of them to qualify as a favorite boolit, yet!